Clarksville Town Council Work Session and Regular Meeting - July 7, 2026

The Clarksville Town Council held a work session followed by a regular meeting on July 7, 2026. The council addressed a wide range of topics including significant financial decisions, public safety equipment, animal welfare ordinances, and infrastructure fees. Key actions included approving a $10/month residential sanitation fee, authorizing negotiations for a new fire engine, passing updated animal care regulations for pet shops, and allocating funds for police vehicles. Most votes were unanimous (7-0).

Consent Calendar

• Approved minutes, claims, payroll, sewer bonds, and other routine items by a 7-0 vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Jen Bug (301 South Clark Boulevard) spoke in strong support of the proposed animal ownership care and control ordinance updates, thanking the council for listening to citizens and animal welfare advocates. She noted that Clarksville’s work could inspire neighboring cities.
• Jim McCoskey (Lieutenant Commander, US Navy retired, 1934 Majestic Meadows Drive) expressed frustration that veterans’ banners remained placed in a low-visibility area near the Colgate plant despite his previous request. He requested the banners be moved to Eastern Boulevard in order of WWII, Korea, and Vietnam, and offered to buy bottom brackets if needed. He praised the town’s flag displays on Memorial Day, July 4th, and Veterans Day.
• Jeff Callaway (906 Pennsylvania Avenue) also supported the animal ordinance, calling it a good start that should be passed and improved over time, referencing new state animal welfare laws effective July 1.

Discussion Items

• Fire Engine Purchase (Work Session & Regular Meeting): Fire Chief Wilson detailed severe fleet degradation: the youngest engine (8 years old) requires ~$40,000 repair and is out of service; a 29-year-old ladder truck is also out; the department is relying on mutual aid. The chief recommended purchasing a nearly new quad engine available locally from Floyd County for $850,000. Town Treasurer AD proposed buying it outright using funds from LOIT ($150k), CCD ($200k), CCI/settlement fund ($200k), EDIT ($150k), and TIF ($150k) to avoid loans. Council later voted 7-0 to authorize negotiations to purchase the engine with a not-to-exceed price of $850,000, contingent on the seller exiting its current purchase agreement.
• Second Street Bridge Changes: Town Manager Glenn Adams reported that Jeffersonville and Louisville are discussing changes that could close the Missouri Avenue ramp to the Second Street Bridge, reducing access for Clarksville residents and impacting development. Council agreed to form a team including the manager, president, and staff to engage state representatives and Jeffersonville, and to keep the public informed.
• Building and Zoning Fees (State Law Impact): Manager Adams explained that House Enrolled Act 1001 and State Board of Accounts Directive 2026-01 require permit fees from building, planning, and code enforcement to be sequestered into a dedicated fund by January 1, 2027. Revenues have averaged $570,000/year (building) plus $20,000 (planning). The council discussed starting the fund now to build reserves and using some Theater X settlement money for fire department needs. No action was taken; staff will develop a plan.
• Arts Commission Mural: Manager Adams noted the arts commission believed they had approval for a $15,000 mural but only $11,000 remains unfunded. Council agreed to provide the $11,000 from EDIT, and the item was added to the business agenda and approved.
• Christmas Lights on Main Street: Last year’s lights had electrical issues and were placed on trees instead of poles. Additional costs (~$4,000-5,000) are needed to install proper outlets. A potential sponsor is being pursued. Council discussed funding from EDIT promotions if needed, and the lights will continue.
• Historic Preservation Commission Budget: Similar communication gap – commission believed they had more funds. Council agreed to allocate funds (originally intended for a grant writer position) to support the commission through year-end.
• Police Fleet Purchase: Chief Walls requested authorization to purchase eight vehicles (five 2025 and three 2026 Chevy Tahoes) for a total of ~$476,000, funded by LOIT ($103k), CCD ($250k), and drug fund ($123k). The chief noted the vehicles have exceeded service life. Council approved 7-0.
• Non-Emergency Lift Assistance Ordinance (7.1): Creates fees for commercial care facilities that call firefighters for non-injury lifts. Intended as a deterrent, not revenue generator. Passed 7-0.
• Hazardous Materials Response Fees (7.2): Update from 1996 ordinance to match current state statutes. Passed 7-0.
• Non-Reverting Fund for Hazmat Fees (7.3): Companion ordinance for fund location and allowable uses. Passed 7-0.
• Club Greyhound Liquor License (7.4): Three-way license for a speakeasy-style venue in the 812 building. Redevelopment commission gave favorable recommendation. Passed 7-0.
• Salary Ordinance Amendments (7.5): Changed title of Associate Planner to Senior Planner/Planner III (no cost); increased Planning Director salary to be in line with other directors. Passed 7-0.
• Pay Scale Amendments (7.6): Conforming changes to the pay scale classification system. Passed 7-0.
• Ducks Ordinance (7.7): Allows ownership of up to three ducks within town, with permit requirements. Passed (zoning ordinance, one reading).
• Animal Care Ordinance (7.8): Major update to pet shop regulations – requiring weekly vet exams (by a licensed veterinarian from specified counties), isolation periods, minimum cage sizes (formula based on dog length), solid rest areas off wire floors, medical record documentation, deep cleaning between animals, and posted breeder/broker/price information. Also includes duck ownership provisions. Passed 7-0 on first and second readings.
• Residential Sanitation Fee (7.9): After debate, council approved a $10/month fee per household (not $15 as originally recommended). Funds will support sanitation services, CDL driver pay, and equipment replacement. Passed 7-0 on both readings.
• Right-of-Way Permit Fees (7.10): Updated from a flat $10 fee (since 1984) to a more comprehensive fee structure based on linear footage, square footage, and inspection costs. Aims to recover costs from fiber builds and other utility work. Passed 7-0.
• Data Center Prohibition (7.11 & 7.12): Two ordinances amended the general and zoning ordinances to define and prohibit modern data centers in all zoning districts, citing limited land, negative externalities, and low job density. Plan commission recommended 7-0. Passed 7-0 (7.11 two readings, 7.12 one reading as zoning).
• Building Commissioner Search (7.13): Contract with SGR for up to $28,419 to conduct a national search, including potential moving expenses (~$10k). Passed 7-0.
• Police Vehicle Purchase (7.14): Approved as detailed above.
• Lilac Tap In: Approved for a sewer tap-in for a resident in the county.
• Appointments: Anthony Busey appointed to the Boy Scouts charter, passing 7-0.

Key Outcomes

• Votes: All votes on the items above were 7-0 unless noted.
• Residential Sanitation Fee: Set at $10 per month per household, effective after second reading.
• Fire Engine: Council authorized negotiations with Highlander Point Fire Protection District (Floyd County) to purchase a quad engine for up to $850,000, contingent on financing and seller release.
• Animal Ordinance: Passed after months of public advocacy; includes stringent pet shop care standards.
• Police Vehicles: Authorization granted for eight Tahoes using LOIT, CCD, and drug fund.
• Upcoming Actions: Staff will prepare additional appropriations and a software contract for the next meeting; building and zoning fee fund setup will be developed; a team will engage on the Second Street Bridge issue.

Clerk Treasurer's Report

• Reported 75 public records requests year-to-date (12 open). Noted new state law (House Enrolled Act 1360) giving authority to deny suspected data scraping and prioritize Indiana residents. Online submission portal (GovWell) now active. An annual report on denials will be required.